> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aisl.science/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aisl.science/external-tools-and-services/ai-coding-assistants.md). # AI Coding Assistants This page highlights AI coding assistants that are useful for **teaching, experimentation, prototyping, software development, and evaluation of agentic coding workflows**. Some are relevant primarily to students; others are part of the broader tool landscape used by developers and project teams. The key distinction is whether the **tool itself is free** or whether the provider also includes **free model usage**. {% hint style="warning" %} Free plans, limits, supported models, and terms can change. A free editor or extension does **not** automatically mean that the underlying AI model is free. Verify current conditions with the provider before relying on a tool for a course or project. {% endhint %} ## Free and open-source tools These tools have no software subscription fee. Depending on the setup, you may still need your own model API access or a local model. ### Cline [Cline](https://cline.bot/) is an open-source coding agent available as a VS Code extension and CLI. It can read and edit files, run commands, and use MCP servers. **Cost:** The Cline software is free for individual developers. AI inference is separate: you can bring your own API key or use Cline's inference service on a usage basis. **Free model promotions:** Users with a Cline account may periodically receive access to selected models at no cost, up to a limited usage quota. These promotions rotate and are available for a limited time only, so the specific models and quotas can change. After the free quota is used, you can continue by switching to another available model, using your own API key, or using paid inference. **Best for:** Agentic coding in VS Code with flexible model choice and MCP support. * [Cline](https://cline.bot/) * [Cline free models](https://docs.cline.bot/getting-started/free-models) * [Cline pricing](https://cline.bot/pricing) ### OpenCode [OpenCode](https://opencode.ai/) is an open-source coding agent for the terminal, desktop, and IDEs. It supports many model providers and can also use local models. **Cost:** The OpenCode software is free and open source. Model access is separate. OpenCode sometimes offers free hosted models, but these can be temporary and should not be treated as a permanent quota. **Best for:** Model-agnostic coding workflows in the terminal, desktop, or IDE. * [OpenCode](https://opencode.ai/) * [OpenCode documentation](https://opencode.ai/docs) ## Ongoing free service tiers These providers currently offer a $0 tier or an education-based free entitlement without a fixed short trial period. Usage limits and included models can change. ### GitHub Copilot Student Verified students can use **GitHub Copilot Student** for free while their student status remains verified. It currently includes unlimited code completions and 200 AI Credits per month. **Best for:** Students working with GitHub and Visual Studio Code. [GitHub Education for Students](/external-tools-and-services/github-education-for-students.md) ### JetBrains AI Free Students with an active JetBrains educational IDE license can use **JetBrains AI Free** after the optional AI Pro trial. It currently includes unlimited code completion, unlimited use of your own local models, and **3 AI Credits per 30 days** for cloud AI features. **Best for:** Students using IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, PyCharm Professional, or other JetBrains IDEs through the Student Pack. [JetBrains for Students](/external-tools-and-services/jetbrains-for-students.md) ### Kiro Free [Kiro](https://kiro.dev/) explicitly describes its Free tier as **perpetual**. The current plan includes **50 credits per month** and access to selected open-weight models and Claude Sonnet 4.5, subject to rate limits. **Best for:** Trying an agentic development environment with a clearly defined ongoing free allowance. * [Kiro](https://kiro.dev/) * [Kiro pricing](https://kiro.dev/pricing/) ### Cursor Hobby [Cursor](https://cursor.com/) currently offers a **Hobby** plan for $0 with no credit card required. It includes limited Agent usage plus Chat and Tab completions using the Auto model. **Best for:** Evaluating an AI-focused code editor with a free entry tier. * [Cursor](https://cursor.com/) * [Cursor pricing](https://cursor.com/pricing) ### Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) [Devin Desktop](https://windsurf.com/editor) is the current name of the Windsurf editor. Its current **Free** plan is $0, and the provider currently advertises unlimited access to its SWE-1.7 model on the free tier. **Best for:** Evaluating an AI-first editor and agent workflow without starting with a paid plan. * [Devin Desktop / Windsurf](https://windsurf.com/editor) ## Choosing a tool | Tool | Software cost | Included AI usage | Good starting point for | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | | **Cline** | Free / open source | Limited-time rotating free-model promotions; otherwise BYOK or paid inference | VS Code + agents + MCP | | **OpenCode** | Free / open source | Bring your own or local model; temporary free hosted models may exist | Terminal, desktop, IDE | | **Copilot Student** | Free for verified students | 200 AI Credits/month + unlimited completions | GitHub + VS Code | | **JetBrains AI Free** | Free with eligible IDE license | 3 AI Credits/30 days + unlimited code completion and local models | JetBrains IDEs | | **Kiro Free** | $0 perpetual tier | 50 credits/month | Agentic development environment | | **Cursor Hobby** | $0 current tier | Limited included usage | AI-first editor | | **Devin Desktop Free** | $0 current tier | Current free SWE-1.7 access | AI-first editor and agents | {% hint style="info" %} For formal course work, use the tool and model access recommended by the instructor where a specific software environment or AISL model access is provided. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.aisl.science/external-tools-and-services/ai-coding-assistants.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.